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bryak · Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 7:20 pm Post subject: Exchange rate (Canadian)

Can anyone tell me what a decent exchange rate for the Canadian dollar to the Russian rouble is? Keep in mind that the Canadian dollar is currently worth about $.90 American.

I can get 10700 Russian roubles for $500 Canadian, which would I'm sure sustain me for my first month in Russia. Should I do it and not have to worry when I get to Russia, or should I hold out for a better exchange rate when I arrive?

according to my calculations I would get 21.4 roubles per Canadian dollar (about 23.8 per American dollar) which seems low to me.... What do you all say?

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 697 Location: Moscow

I know we've been through this before with other posters, but I would have thought you'd do better, you've been around for a while.

This is a biiiiig country. Where in Russia will you be spending this money? Moscow? Krasnador? Irkutsk? On what? Are you a night clubber or a bookworm? Does it include hotel? hostel?

$500 a month ain't nothin' in Moscow. Can't your question better without more specific information.

bryak · Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 8:19 pm Post subject:

The question isn't about how much money or how far it will stretch, but simply the exchange rate. Is 21.4 roubles for 1 Canadian dollar a decent exchange rate or should I try to do better?

Zach10791 · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 815

I think the exchange rates change daily. Today's exchange rate is:

1 Canadian Dollar (CAD) = 23.9808 Russian Rubles (RUB)

I would just change it once I got to Russia, if I were you.

greg222 · VIP Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 599

You'll get a slightly better rate here. That is in Moscow at least - it can be hard to change the lesser currencies in other cities. But if you're in Moscow, 11000 odd rubles will not sustain you for a month, especially not your first month. You should bring twice that much.

bryak · Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 1:23 am Post subject:

Ah, but I already have accomodation provided for me and won't really be doing too much beyond working and settling into a new life. Plus, I won't be directly in Moscow but rather in Zelenograd, which I reckon is a slight bit cheaper overall.

If I run out of roubles I can always go to the ATM besides, dip into my (already dismal) savings a little.

Thanks for the tips tho everyone.

greg222 · VIP Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 599

Yeah, I assumed you weren't including accommodation in that. I still think 11000 rubles will be a bit tight, but it sounds like you're happy to live fairly simply. I've never had the pleasure of visiting Zelenograd, but I imagine it would be a good deal cheaper than living in Moscow, if only because of the lack of temptations to waste your money on.

bryak · Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 3:06 am Post subject:

I'm a bit of a minimalist really -- give me warmth, basic sustenance, a good book, and a 6-pack of cheap beer and I'll be happy as a clam for the rest of my life. Well, maybe a friend for good conversation too, but that's free.

Warmth + Sustenance + Love = Happiness. Everything else just complicates matters. Very Happy

Rick · Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:25 am Post subject:

If it doesn't include accomodation, I am quite sure you can live on 500 $ Canadian for a month, as long as you don't suddenly start living a more exciting life..
You will be able to get around, eat, sleep, get some beer. A couple of daytrips will work if you feel like it.

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5_Zvehzda · Just Starting Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 0

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